The Lexus IS is a small luxury sports sedan with balanced handling and freshly updated features. Competitors include the Acura Integra, the Audi A4, and the BMW 3 Series.
2026 Lexus IS Pricing, Specs, and Release Date
- What’s New for the 2026 Lexus IS
- Design
- Powertrain
- Interior
- Technology
- Safety
- Pricing and Release Date
- Further Research
What’s New for the 2026 Lexus IS
The Lexus IS, a small luxury sports sedan, was long overdue for updates. For 2026, it gets a mild refresh with some new styling touches, a bigger infotainment display and instrument cluster, and retuned driving dynamics. This year, the trim lineup is pared down substantially, removing the underpowered base trims from the lineup. It’s now available in just two trims, the IS 350 F Sport and IS 350 F Sport Design, and one available powertrain.
Design
Exterior updates are subtle, though they emphasize the IS’ sportiness. The front end gets a nip and tuck, while the trunk is now available with a new spoiler for better aerodynamics as well as looks. A new 19-inch alloy wheel design showcases optional red brake calipers. Finally, a new light gray metallic paint, Wind, joins the color lineup.
Powertrain
Both versions of the 2026 Lexus IS come powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine rated for 311 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. This engine carries over from the 2025 IS, though it was previously available only for the top trim. The base rear-wheel-drive (RWD) version comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the all-wheel-drive (AWD) version gets a six-speed automatic transmission. For 2026, Lexus retuned the steering, throttle, and handling response for a sportier experience.
Interior
Though not fully redesigned, the IS gets some key updates to the cabin out of this refresh. The dashboard and cockpit have been restyled to accommodate a pair of new 12.3-inch displays, with an emphasis on the driver’s ergonomics. A new bamboo trim adorns the center console, for a sophisticated and calming effect. The IS seats five, with sporty and supportive front seats. As is typical for small sports sedans, some taller adults might not be impressed by second-row legroom. Lexus now offers the IS with a new Radiant Red upholstery palette.
Technology
For 2026, the Lexus IS gets a new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system as an upgrade from the previous year. This gets paired with a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Other standard features include Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, wireless device charging, four USB-C ports, and a 10-speaker audio system. A 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system is available.
Safety
The 2026 Lexus IS now comes standard with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 package. It includes adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, forward collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, emergency-steering assist, intersection assist, lane-departure warning, lane-trace assist, traffic-sign recognition, and automatic high-beam headlights. The 2026 Lexus IS has not been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Pricing and Release Date
The 2026 Lexus IS is expected to be available in early 2026. As of this writing, Lexus has not yet announced pricing for the 2026 IS lineup, and plans to announce pricing closer to the car’s availability. For reference, the 2025 Lexus IS 350 starts at $43,760, not including destination charges.
